Key-fastener



(No Model.) J. MJSUFFRINS.

KEY FASTENER.

No. 599,876. Patented Mar. 1,1898.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN MILTON SUFFRINS, OF RAl-IIVAY, NEW JERSEY.

KEY-FASTEN ER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 599,876, dated March 1, 1898. Application filed July 3, 1897. Serial Il'o. 643,383. (No model.)

To 0. whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN MILTON SUFFRINS,

clear, and exact description of the invention,

such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to improvements in key-fasteners, the object of the same being to provide a simple and inexpensive device:

which can be readily applied' to the knobspindle and covers a part of the keyhole in such a manner as to prevent the removal of the key, the fastener having a turn-button that engages the keyhole-plate or escutcheon and holds the device in position.

The key-fastener is especially intended to prevent the removal of the key either by accident or design, and while it serves this purpose it does not interfere with its being turned in manipulating the shoot-bolt of the look.

In the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the key-fastener constructed in accordance with my invention, showing so much of a door as will show its application. Fig. 2 isa detail view of the plate portion of the fastenerf Fig. 3 is a detail View of the catch or turn-button. Fig.4 is a detached view of the plate, and Fig. 5 is a sectional view through the same.

In carrying out my invention I employ a flat plate 1, of spring metal, which is shaped at its upper end to form an opening 2, which is preferably elongated, as shown, and in the opposite end of said plate are formed small openings or apertures 3 and 4, located adjoining each other. The plate is slit between the small openings, said slit being extended into the larger opening at the opposite end, and as the plate is of spring metal the slits provide for placing the same over the key and also permit of the attachment of the turn-button. This turn-button (designated by the numeral 5) comprises the grasping portion 6, from which extends the shank 7, having the cross-piece 8 at its outer end, and said turnbutton is placed in engagement with the plate by forcing the cross-piece through the slit, so

first removing the knob and then replacing the same. The key is then inserted inthe lock and the cross-piece of the turn-button which is below the shank of the key'is passed into the lower portion of the keyhole and turned to engage the keyhole-plate or escutchcon, and will thereby close the keyhole and obstruct the passage for the log on the key, thus efiectually preventing a removal of the key until the turn-button has been manipulated to release the plate. It will be noted that by curving the spring-plate it will require pressure'to pass the cross-bar of the turn-button into the keyhole, and when said turn-button is turned the spring tendency of the plate will hold it in a locked position.

This invention forms a simple and effective means of preventing the key being withdrawn by small children or falling out by the sudden jar when the door is closed. The fastener also provides a protection against the key being forced out and a skeleton key inserted.

The elon gated opening in the plate by which said plate is placed over the shank of the doorknob provides an arrangement by which the plate is adapted to looks of different sizes, and the slit allows of the key being removed from the device when desired. The plate is in- .tended to remain permanently over the keyhole when the knob has been once removed and placed in position.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, isp 1. A key-fastener consistingvof a plate and turn-button, the plate having an opening at one end to engage the shank of the door-knob, and openings at the opposite end for the entrance of the door-key and turn-button into the lock, said button when in fixed position preventing the removal of the key from the keyhole, substantially as described.

2. A key-fastener consisting of a turn-button and a spring-plate, said plate having an opening at one end to engage the shank of the door-knob, the opposite end being curved outwardly and having openings for the entrance of the door-key and turn-button, the curved end being bent fiat over the escutcheon or door-plate when the button is turned into fixed position, the tension of said bent end holding the button in its fixed position, substantially as shown and described.

3. A key-fastener consisting of a turn-button as described, a spring-plate having an elongated opening to engage the door-knob shank and openings for the entrance of the door-key and turn-button, said openings bein g connected by a longitudinal slot, the elongated opening permitting the fast-ener to be made adjustable to locks of different sizes, substantially as described.

4. A key-fastener comprising a plate of spring metal having an opening by which it is placed over the knob-spindle, the opposite end of the plate having smaller holes, and a turn-button engaging one of the holes to be passed into the reduced portion of the keyhole, said plate being slit longitudinally, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribin g witnesses.

JOHN MILTON SUFFRINS.

Witnesses:

C. A. BLANCHARD, G. H. RocKWooD. 

